William T. Sherman to R. M. Sawyer, August 12, 1863

Maj. Gen. U. S. Grant, The telegraph wire was put up to Haynes’ Bluff and out on the Ridge road as far as Neely’s at the time General Parke was there. I advise that it be extended 1 mile to Oak Ridge Post-Office where I havetwo regiments, commanded by Colonel Corse, Sixth Iowa. It may so happen that telegraphic communication with that point will be of advantage, and therefore I think it advisable. I had several persons in Sean from as far as Brandon. Johnston has gone east, doubtless to explain matters. He still commands, and enjoys the confidence of the army and people. Hardee commands the camp at Morton. A court of inquiry is to examine Pemberton’s case at Montgomery. Wirt Adams’ and Starke’s cavalry are west of Pearl River, and have behaved so that I have forbidden any more rations being issued to people east of Black. I have also ut a picket of one regiment of infantry at Amsterdam, and sent the Beet Wisconsin Cavalry, belonging to McPherson, with his

approval, to Red Bone Church, to watch the crossings at Baldwin’s, all’s, and Hankinson’s.

It is represented that Chalmers is coming south, toward Brandon, with his cavalry, burning cotton and gathering conscripts and negroes as he comes along. I suppose the enemy has established telegraphic communication between Brandon and Panola, but this will be broken a Colonel Winslow’s cavalry, which I suppose to be now well toward

renada. His orders are to communicate as often as possible with me or you direct. If he writes to you, please let me have the substance, that I may keep pace with his movements. I take it for granted he will reach Memphis before his return.

A man, residing near Bolton, who is, I think, in our interest, reports to me that he knows the enemy’s cavalry, 8,000 strong, are to cross Pearl River to-day, in spite of the protestation of all the people. Of course, they have no 8,000 cavalry, but doubtless they wish to counteract the backsliding of the peo i of Mississippi. Instead of checking such a tendency they will expedite it by their

cavalry. W. T. SHERMAN, Major-General. SPECIAL eat Hpgrs. FIFTEENTH ARMY CORPS, No. 160. Camp near Black River, August 12, 1863.

I. Pursuant to orders from department headquarters, the Thirtieth Missouri Volunteer Infantry, Colonel Farrar commanding, is hereby detached from this command, and will at once move to Vicksburg, with all its equipage, sick, &c., and prepare for ship- ment to Natchez, reporting for further instructions at department headquarters on arrival at Vicksburg. Every officer and soldier belonging to this regiment on detached or special service in this. command will at once join the regiment. so that not a man may be left behind.

By order of Maj. Gen. W. T. Sherman :